With more than 130,000 foreign students coming on student visas to Canada every year, Canada offers a diverse international student community. To study in Canada or any other foreign country is an adventure and a challenge, and you should give careful consideration to where you wish to study in Canada to ensure it is a positive experience. This is something you should do before you even start to apply for your student visa to Canada.
Please see our Canada Study Permit page for full details on applying for a Canadian student visa.
Finding a school
Make sure you apply early for your course of study in Canada. Apply at least six months early to primary and secondary schools. University and college students should apply a year before they want to start their studies. Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules on how to apply, and decides what level of English or French you will need to be accepted.
The school you select will be able to tell you about:
- how much it costs to apply;
- tuition fees to study in Canada at the school of your choice;
- health insurance;
- rent and how much it will cost to live in Canada; and
- what language tests are needed.
Fill out the application form for the school or schools of your choice, and submit it according to the instructions provided. If the school admits you as a student, they will send you a letter of acceptance. You need a letter of acceptance in order to apply for a Study Permit (a student visa for Canada).
